Dreamer (Supertramp song)

"Dreamer" is a hit single from Supertramp's 1974 album Crime of the Century. It peaked at number 13 on the UK singles chart in February 1975.[2] In 1980, it appeared on the band's live album Paris. This live version was also released as a single and hit number 15 on the US charts,[3] number 36 in the Dutch Top 40,[4] and number one on the Canadian Singles Chart.[5] When "Dreamer" had been released in 1974, its B-side "Bloody Well Right" was more popular in North America leading it to chart instead, at No. 35 in the US and No. 49 in Canada, with "Dreamer" only charting it Canada, that being at No. 75. "Dreamer" also appeared on Hodgson's album, Classics Live, recorded on tour in 2010.

"Dreamer"
Single by Supertramp
from the album Crime of the Century
B-side"Bloody Well Right"
Released1974 (1974)
Recorded1974 (1974)
Genre
Length3:33
LabelA&M
Songwriter(s)Rick Davies, Roger Hodgson
Producer(s)Supertramp, Ken Scott
Supertramp singles chronology
"Land Ho"
(1974)
"Dreamer"
(1974)
"Bloody Well Right"
(1974)
Music video
"Dreamer" on YouTube
"Dreamer"
Live version single picture sleeve
Single by Supertramp
from the album Paris
B-side"You Started Laughing"
Released1980 (1980)
RecordedNovember 1979 (1979-11)
VenuePavillon de Paris
GenreProgressive rock
Length3:15
LabelA&M
Songwriter(s)Rick Davies, Roger Hodgson
Producer(s)Peter Henderson, Russel Pope
Supertramp singles chronology
"Take the Long Way Home"
(1979)
"Dreamer"
(1980)
"Breakfast in America"
(1980)

Background

"Dreamer" was composed by Roger Hodgson on his Wurlitzer piano at his mother's house when he was 19 years old. At that time he recorded a demo of the song using vocals, Wurlitzer, and banging cardboard boxes for percussion. Hodgson recalled, "I was excited – it was the first time I laid hands on a Wurlitzer."[6] Supertramp cut their own recording of the song in imitation of this early demo.[7]

The band performed the song on the BBC's Old Grey Whistle Test show in 1974, during which John Helliwell can be seen playing the rim of a wine glass on top of his keyboard to achieve a certain sound effect.[8]

The song was used in the films The Parole Officer, Wild Thing, and The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle, as well as the trailers for the latter and Robots.

Reception

Reviewing the live version in 1980, Billboard Magazine said that "Dreamer" has a "sweet pop melody, clear vocals and bubbly keyboards."[9]

Track listings

1975: 7-inch single

Side one

  1. "Dreamer" – 3:33 (Written by Roger Hodgson)

Side two

  1. "Bloody Well Right" – 4:26 (Written by Rick Davies)

US version

Side one

  1. "Dreamer" (Live) – 3:15 (Hodgson)

Side two

  1. "From Now On" (Live) – 6:44 (Davies)

European version

Side one

  1. "Dreamer" (Live) – 3:15 (Hodgson)

Side two

  1. "You Started Laughing" (Live) – 3:50 (Davies)

Personnel

References

  1. Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "Crime of the Century - Supertramp | Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved 18 July 2019. Also present is a slight sentimental streak and a heavy fondness for pop, heard on 'Dreamer,' a soaring piece of art pop that became their first big hit.
  2. "everyhit.com search results". Archived from the original on 18 July 2007. Retrieved 23 November 2008.
  3. "Billboard charts at Allmusic". Retrieved 23 November 2008.
  4. "Media Markt top 40". Retrieved 26 November 2016.
  5. "Top Singles - Volume 34, No. 5, December 06 1980". RPM. Retrieved 17 February 2012.
  6. Crime of the Century (sleeve notes). Universal Music Enterprises. 2014.
  7. "Breakfast in Detroit: Tales from a Dreamer!". annecarlini.com. Retrieved 1 December 2014.
  8. The Old Grey Whistle Test Vol. 3 (DVD). BBC Video. 2006.
  9. "Top Single Picks" (PDF). Billboard Magazine. 20 September 1980. p. 71. Retrieved 8 July 2020.
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